Troubleshooting Tuesday: Get Outside ANYWAY

Late this past spring, I wrote a post titled "I Run a Nature-based Playgroup and I Did Not (and Still Do Not) Always Enjoy Being Outdoor? It is now late in August and with the end of summer closing in, I'm really thinking about the time ahead and reflecting on our time together here at Sprout Scouts Playcamp. In just a couple of weeks, S will be off to full-day kindergarten. Y will begin half-day preschool, three days a week. My nature based playgroup will sprout a new offshoot, our first Forest Story Time session geared toward the play-at-home crowd of children ages 0-3. And, for the first time ever, I'm testing out my grand dream scheme of taking our playgroup across the seasons and year with a monthly session for families and children of all ages all year round. I've read and studied the benefits of time spent outdoors for children of all ages as well as adults. This summer, I've truly experienced how good it is for me and for my family to get out there in the heat, in the rain, in the humidity, with friends, all alone, at the park, in the forest, at the beach, in our yard, at a rest stop to stretch our legs. This summer, I really lived my mantra to get outside anyway. Even when it's hot. Even when it takes 30 minutes to get 3 kids in the car and we only stay at the park for 20. And in looking ahead and reflecting back, I realize how important it is to break down some of these barriers toward getting outside and maybe even liking it.

Carrying an umbrella protects from
a summer drizzle and also provides
traveling shade...

So today I am starting a new series of posts on troubleshooting outdoor challenges. My hope is for these to be more interactive, to learn from others and to gain support in putting the outdoors back into play and the play back into childhood (and adulthood for that matter, but perhaps that's a different blog altogether). And to start us of on a very relevant topic, let's talk HEAT.

The Problem: It's HOT Out There! This summer has been an epic one when it comes to heat. Virginia has its hot summers, for sure, but this year has given us seemingly little break in between those scalding days of summer. In many locations, mornings and evenings are cooler, not necessarily so for this one. But here are some of my own troubleshooting tips for still getting outdoors in the heat of summer:

It's hot out there, but the mud and water in this
creek are nice and cool. Even the rocks feel
smooth and cold in our hands and the trees
provide plenty of shade from the sun.

• Seek shade: wooded areas, parks, places and spaces to splash and play in the mud are often cooler and more tolerable for players of all ages. If you are in a space that does not have shade, can you create it by placing a large blanket or tarp overhead between some trees or stakes or playground equipment? Can you bring an umbrella or tent?

• Dress to Protect: sun protection and in wooded areas, bug protection are important. This might include sunscreen, lightweight clothing with adequate coverage, hats, sunglasses and insect repellent. 



Free sprinkler parks are among
our favorite destinations each
summer for plenty of outdoor
play even when it's hot

Dress for Success: on the comfort end of clothing, choose fabrics that are lightweight and comfortable to you. Waterproof and moisture-wicking materials can be more comfortable when it comes to rising temperatures. Consider footwear as well and if water will be involved in play, having a towel might be useful. Bringing clothing to change into might also be helpful if you or your crew are prone to feeling uncomfortable in wet, sweaty clothing after play.

• Water to Hydrate: having enough to drink is really important in this heat. We need to be mindful to keep ourselves hydrated. We also need to be mindful of little ones who may be so engaged in play they don't remember to stop and drink. Take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off. Keeping water cool is a little tough in this heat, but planning a little ahead and popping a partially filled water bottle in the freezer can help and many of the new water bottles on the market do a great job of insulating.
• Water to Play: pools, sprinkler pads, safe natural areas for wading and splashing are great ways to keep cool outdoors on a hot day. Consider water in other forms as well--ice is a great play activity for outdoors! Water balloons, squirt toys and other waterplay activities and games can keep everyone cool and happy on a hot day.
• Take it Slow: We are often in a rush to get to a destination, but allowing for a time when outside is the destination and the pace can be slower is important in the heat. Allow for extra time to take breaks, to take drinks, to move more slowly, to sit in the shade.

• Proximity to an Indoor Location: Some public parks have indoor venues. Many libraries have outdoor venues. Consider taking your outdoor play to a space that's near an indoor venue you can use to cool off in.
• Timing and Location: can also be a useful tool. If you're located in a place where it is cooler in the mornings or later in the afternoon/early evening, use that time to your advantage. Similarly, if you know a location that is in full sun during a particular time of day, it may be better to move to another spot. Our apartment gets full sun exposure in our backyard each morning and full exposure in the front year each afternoon. We play accordingly!
• Cool Treats: like popsicles are a great way to cool off outdoors. You can even freeze yogurt or smoothies made at home for an extra pop of protein and nutrition.
• Mobility: how you get there and how you'll move around are all things to consider when setting out for an outdoor adventure on a hot day. It's great to be able to carry a backpack and wear a baby, but it definitely adds to the heat and sweat factor. I recommend traveling as light as possible in the heat, particularly if you'll be walking or hiking. Make room for water and easily transportable snacks (keeping in mind that higher temps lead to faster spoilage if something is perishable). Will your location be stroller friendly or able to accommodate a wagon or will you need to wear and carry your belongings with you?
• Quality over Quantity: on the days is relentlessly hot, take an outdoor "snack" instead of an outdoor "meal." In other words, get outside a few times for 10 or 15 minutes rather than one chunk of lengthy outdoor play. I definitely do tout the value in being in nature long enough for deep play and exploration to occur, but sometimes if it feels like a choice of just staying in rather than getting out for a shorter amount of time, I'd say choose the latter! 

Here are some words of wisdom from others on the topic:

Action Precedes Motivation:

"One day I had a litany of reasons to not go outside. The big reasons for going outside still trumped the little reasons to not go. Still, I had had a baby not too long ago and I was just tired. I decided that I would drive the kids to a place that I liked, and if all we did was get out of the car and walk the parameter of the parking lot, I was going to call it good.

We got there and of course way leads on to way and we ended up walking in the obstacle course. The kids had a good time, and I was able to push the stroller and kind of lean on it. Getting out did the kids good and it did me wonders."--K. Marie, a resident of Alaska and experienced Mom

Find an Activity You Love:

"Kayaking!" was the immediate response of my good friend, Christopher, who lives in Massachusetts. Water sports are a great way to get outside and still keep cool if you live in a location with access to them.

Just Add Water...and Shade!

"I am all about water play when it's hot! I also am blessed with lots of shady places to walk and explore so the heat isn't too unbearable." --Rebekah, a mom of two and early childhood educator, who indeed has designed and set up beautiful outdoor spaces in her own yard as well as an amazing outdoor classroom for her students in Washington state.

Helpful Hints, Fun Activities and Take-alongs:

"My kids use cooling towels meant for golfers on their necks when I remember to bring them." --Adina, a mom and teacher in New York

"...a spray bottle (bonus with built in fan) or even wetting hands and then wetting face with it works... 

frozen apple sauce pouches make a refreshing cool treat afetr being out in the heat a while - they become a cool slush type of consistency." -- Rozee, a mom and teacher in New York City

"...letting the kids play with a water hose with bowls and buckets, ice cube sensory play or eating popsicles, hiding a toy or small car in ice and letting your kids use something to dig it out" are some of the ways Kristen, a mom of 2 in Virginia makes this heat not only barable, but fun.

What are your tried and true methods of getting outside when it's uncomfortably hot?

What are some of the barriers that keep you from getting outside and liking it?

S has found a bit of refuge from the sun in this little playhouse at our botanical garden center.

In our next post of this series, we'll talk about caution and confidence. Taking children outdoors, especially groups of children and those of mixed ages and abilities can come with a set of inherent challenges and concerns. There is a whole world of risky play when it comes to exploring outdoor terrains and with it, opportunities to instill appropriate levels of caution and confidence. How do we navigate this as adults and balance our own sense of fear with our children's need for appropriate and safe levels of independence? 

Stay Cool & Happy Playing!